Image storage and display assembly

ABSTRACT

An image storage and display assembly having an image storage sub-assembly, an image board, an image display sub-assembly and a wall attachment sub-assembly. The image storage sub-assembly is configured for storing images that can be sequentially displayed on the image board, so that the images remain quickly accessible while being protectively stored.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 61/152,511 entitled “Image Storage and Display Assembly” filed Aug. 25, 2011, the entire specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates in general to image displays for displaying images on outside surfaces, such as walls and the like, and more particularly, to an image storage and display assembly which can both display images, and have an attractive and useful means by which to store images. Additionally, an image display sub-assembly for mounting an image to the storage sub-assembly is disclosed.

2. Background Art

The use of display boards, frames and other devices for displaying images is known in the art. Typically, images are placed on a hard backing, such as a foam core and then placed in a frame or the like for eventual hanging on a wall.

Often users have several images that they would like to display. Problematically, the images must be stored in one, often inconvenient location, and then individually displayed. Often times, the storage of the images is not only inconvenient, but it can lead to damage to the image. Additionally, the images are often not changed or rotated due to the inconvenient storage means employed.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an image storage and display assembly.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a secure and easily usable storage and display assembly.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an image storage and display assembly with an image board that is releasably lockable tot eh image storage sub-assembly, so as to preclude inadvertent removal thereof.

These objects as well as other objects of the present disclosure will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is directed to an image storage and display assembly comprising an image storage sub-assembly, an image board, and an image display sub-assembly. The image storage sub-assembly has a front panel and a back panel spaced apart from the front panel. The front panel and the back panel are joined together through spacing panels. These panels, together, define a cavity for the storage of at least one image. The image board has a front and back surface. The image display sub-assembly includes a rest bar coupled to the front panel of the image storage sub-assembly and a mating image anchor bar coupled to the back surface of the image board. As can be seen in the Figures, engagement of the rest bar and the anchor bar releasably couples the image board to the image storage sub-assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, the image storage and display assembly further comprises an image locking sub-assembly structurally configured to lock the rest bar to the image anchor bar in operable engagement.

In another embodiment, the image locking sub-assembly further comprises: a locking bar, a locking block and a locking screw. The locking bar is coupled to the back surface of the image board. The locking block is positioned adjacent the back surface of the image board, and also positioned between the locking bar and the image anchor bar. The locking block has an opening extending partially thereinto, substantially parallel to the back surface of the image board. The locking screw is threadedly engaged with the locking block and extends into the opening of the locking block. Rotation of the locking screw in a first direction advances the locking block toward the image anchor bar. Additionally, rotation of the locking screw in a second direction retracts the locking block away from the image anchor bar.

In another preferred embodiment, the image storage and display assembly further includes a wall attachment sub-assembly structurally configured to secure the image storage and display assembly to an outside wall.

In another preferred embodiment, the wall attachment sub-assembly further comprises an anchor bar coupled to the rear panel of the image storage sub-assembly and a rest bar coupled to an outside wall.

In one such embodiment, the anchor bar comprises a downwardly directed L-shaped bracket, and the rest bar comprises an upwardly directed L-shaped bracket.

In another preferred embodiment, the rest bar of the image display sub-assembly comprises a downwardly directed L-shaped bracket and the image anchor bar comprises an upwardly directed L-shaped bracket.

In another preferred embodiment, at least one of the spacing panels are movable so as to provide ingress into the cavity.

In some such embodiments, at least one of the spacing panels is hingedly coupled to one of the front and rear panel, so as to provide ingress into the cavity.

In another preferred embodiment, the cavity has a width defined by the distance between the front panel and the rear panel that is between one and four inches.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the image storage and display assembly further includes an image mounted to the image board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 of the drawing is a side elevational view of the image storage and display assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 of the drawings is a perspective view of the image storage sub-assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the image storage sub-assembly of the present disclosure, taken generally about lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 of the drawings is a back elevational view of the image storage sub-assembly showing, in particular, the anchor bar of the wall attachment sub-assembly;

FIG. 5 of the drawings is a front elevational view of the image storage sub-assembly showing, in particular, the image anchor bar of the image display sub-assembly;

FIG. 6 of the drawings is a side elevational view of the image board and portions of the image display sub-assembly; and

FIG. 7 of the drawings is a back elevational view of the image board and portions of the image display sub-assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, the image storage and display assembly is shown generally at 10. The assembly is configured for storing and displaying images of various types. For example, a user may wish to rotate several pictures on the wall. All but one of the pictures can be stored within the image storage sub-assembly. The final picture can be displayed. It is contemplated that the assembly may be mounted to a wall, a stand, or an outside structure (all of which will be referred to herein as an outside wall) for display.

More specifically, the image storage and display assembly 10 is shown as comprising image storage sub-assembly 12, image board 14, image display sub-assembly 16 and wall attachment sub-assembly 18. With referenced to FIGS. 2 and 3, the image storage sub-assembly is shown as comprising rear panel 20, front panel 22, both of which are spaced apart from each other through, for example, spacing panels 24 a-24 d. The spacing panels are shown as being substantially continuous so as to span between the two panels 20, 22 substantially continuously. In turn, such a configuration defines a cavity 25 which is configured to store images (such as images 27). One or more of the spacing panels can be removably coupled to one or more of the remaining image storage sub-assemblies. In other embodiments, it may be otherwise hinged to another panel, through, for example hinges 29 a, 29 b so as to pivot out of the way. In either instance, removal of or movement of one of the panels provides ingress into the cavity 25 to store or remove different images 27.

In certain embodiments, the front panel 22 or the rear panel 20 may be configured to releasably move and provide ingress into cavity 25, however, it is preferred that ingress into cavity 25 is achieved through movement of one or more of the spacing panels.

It will be understood that the width of the spacing panels 24 a-24 d define the space for images to be stacked upon each other. For example, the spacing panels can be configured to be approximately 1 to 4 inches wide, in each width, a different amount of images, or a different set of images can be stored. The invention is not limited to any particular amount of images that are stored, or to any particular width configuration.

It will also be understood that while the panels are shown as being continuous, a number of configurations are contemplated wherein the different panels may be divided into smaller sub-panels so that the panels are not continuous. This may be done for design or functional purposes. In other embodiments, it will be understood that shapes other than rectangular shapes are contemplated for use, such as polygonal shapes. Typically, such panels can be made from any number of different materials, including, but not limited to Sintra, polymer sheeting, foam core, wood, metal and the like. The panels can each be made from the same or from different materials.

The image board 14 is shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7 as comprising a releasably attachable image which can be mounted on a number of different board types, such as foam core, Sintra, plexi-glass and the like. Typically, such images may comprise photographs, paintings and the like. The particular configuration of the image is not the subject of this application, and indeed, there is no limitation on the actual image that is utilized. The image board may comprise a fixed device to which the image can be coupled. It will be understood that the image can be permanently coupled to the image board, wherein a separate image board is required for each image. Conversely, the image can be releasably coupled to the image board, such that images can be stored in the image storage sub-assembly for use with a single image board.

The image display sub-assembly 16 is shown, collectively, in FIG. 1, and individually in FIGS. 2, 3, 5 6 and 7 as comprising image rest bar 30 (FIGS. 6 and 7), image anchor bar 32 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 5) and image locking sub-assembly 34 (FIGS. 6 and 7). The image anchor bar is coupled to the front panel 20 between the upper and lower edges thereof. Typically the image anchor bar comprises a L-shaped channel that includes a leg and a base, opening in an upward direction and that, with the front panel 20 defines a longitudinal slot that opens in an upward direction.

The image rest bar 32 is similar to the image anchor bar 30 in that it includes a

L-shaped channel that includes a leg and a base, opening in a upward direction, and that, in cooperation with the back of the image board 14 defines a longitudinal slot that opens in a downward direction. It will be understood that when the image anchor bar 30 and the image anchor rest 32 are positioned so as to cooperate with each other, the leg of one of the two becomes entrenched in the slot of the other of the two to essentially maintain the two in a retained condition. Due to the spacing between the image rest bar and the image anchor bar, as well as the relative sizing between the front panel 22 and the image board 14, upon coupling of the image rest bar and the image anchor bar, the image is preferably centered about the front panel 22.

The image locking sub-assembly 34 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 as comprising locking bar 40, locking screw 42 and locking block 44. The locking bar is configured to assist with releasably retaining the engagement of the image rest bar 30 with the image anchor bar 32. The locking bar is positioned below the image rest bar and spaced apart therefrom. The locking bar includes a threaded opening that is transverse to the bar itself and positioned so that the locking screw 42 can be threadedly engaged therewith. In the configuration shown, the locking screw 42 is substantially moves along an axis that is substantially parallel to the image board 14 (and the front panel 22).

The locking block 44 includes block opening 50, front 52 and back 54. The front and back are spaced apart from each other to define thickness 58. The front and/or back further define an effective width 56. The block opening is configured to accept the locking screw 42 therein so that it is able to rotate freely within the block opening. The thickness is less than the effective width so that when the image board is positioned on the front panel the image storage sub-assembly, the locking block is precluded from rotation beyond a few degrees in either direction. As such, when the locking screw is advanced, the locking block moves either toward or away from the locking bar and toward or away from the anchor block (and image block).

When turned in one direction, the locking block advances toward and into contact with the anchor bar, which in turn, forces the anchor bar into contact with the image rest bar. This keeps the image rest bar and the image anchor bar releasably locked to each other, thereby precluding inadvertent removal of the image board 14 from the image storage sub-assembly 12.

The wall attachment sub-assembly 18 is shown in FIG. 1 as comprising wall anchor bar 60 (also, FIGS. 3 and 4) and wall rest bar 62. The operation of the wall attachment sub-assembly 18 is substantially similar to the operation of the image rest bar 30 and the image anchor bar 32 of the image display sub-assembly. The wall anchor bar 60 is coupled to the wall surface (i.e., the outside surface upon which the image storage and display apparatus is attached). The wall anchor bar includes an upwardly opening channel which is defined by a generally L-shaped component which cooperates with the wall surface.

The wall rest bar 62 is coupled to the rear panel 20 of the image storage sub-assembly 12. The wall rest bar includes a downwardly opening channel which is defined by a generally L-shaped component which cooperates with the rear panel 20. The wall rest bar 62 and the wall anchor bar 60 are coupled by inserting the leg of the L-shaped component of one of the two into the channel defined by the other of the two. In turn, through gravity, the cooperation of the wall anchor bar and the wall rest bar will keep the image storage sub-assembly operably coupled to the wall surface.

It will be understood that a wall locking sub-assembly, along the same configuration as the image locking sub-assembly can be employed to releasably lock the image storage and display assembly to the wall surface.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An image storage and display assembly comprising: an image storage sub-assembly having a front panel and a back panel spaced apart from the front panel, the front panel and the back panel joined together through spacing panels, to, together define a cavity for the storage of at least one image; an image board having a front and back surface; and an image display sub-assembly comprising a rest bar coupled to the front panel of the image storage sub-assembly and a mating image anchor bar coupled to the back surface of the image board, whereupon engagement of the rest bar and the anchor bar releasably couples the image board to the image storage sub-assembly.
 2. The image storage and display assembly of claim 1 further comprising an image locking sub-assembly structurally configured to lock the rest bar to the image anchor bar in operable engagement.
 3. The image storage and display assembly of claim 2 wherein the image locking sub-assembly further comprises: a locking bar coupled to the back surface of the image board; a locking block positioned adjacent the back surface of the image board, and positioned between the locking bar and the image anchor bar, the locking block having an opening extending partially thereinto, substantially parallel to the back surface of the image board; and a locking screw threadedly engaged with the locking block and extending into the opening of the locking block, whereupon rotation of the locking screw in a first direction advances the locking block toward the image anchor bar, and wherein rotation of the locking screw in a second direction retracts the locking block away from the image anchor bar.
 4. The image storage and display assembly of claim 3 further comprising a wall attachment sub-assembly structurally configured to secure the image storage and display assembly to an outside wall.
 5. The image storage and display assembly of claim 4 wherein the wall attachment sub-assembly further comprises an anchor bar coupled to the rear panel of the image storage sub-assembly and a rest bar coupled to an outside wall.
 6. The image storage and display assembly of claim 5 wherein the anchor bar comprises a downwardly directed L-shaped bracket, and the rest bar comprises an upwardly directed L-shaped bracket.
 7. The image storage and display assembly of claim 1 wherein the rest bar of the image display sub-assembly comprises a downwardly directed L-shaped bracket and the image anchor bar comprises an upwardly directed L-shaped bracket.
 8. The image storage and display assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of the spacing panels are movable so as to provide ingress into the cavity.
 9. The image storage and display assembly of claim 8 wherein at least one of the spacing panels is hingedly coupled to one of the front and rear panel, so as to provide ingress into the cavity.
 10. The image storage and display assembly of claim 1 wherein the cavity has a width defined by the distance between the front panel and the rear panel that is between one and four inches.
 11. The image storage and display assembly of claim 1 further comprising an image mounted to the image board. 